FLORIDA

Central Nervous System

Dr. Segal is a co-founder of Segal Institute and founder of Compass Health systems. He has conducted over 200 clinical trials. Dr. Segal attended an accelerated biomedical program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute before entering the Albany Medical College and receiving his Medical Doctor degree. He completed his residency and internship in Psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His post-residency training included a two-year fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry also at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and has since received his MBA from the University of Miami. Dr. Segal is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Diplomat of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He is a member in good standing of the Young President’s Organization.

Dr. Segal has an extensive background in psychodynamic psychotherapy, pain management, psychopharmacology, addiction medicine including substance abuse and eating disorders, as well as the evaluation and treatment of child and adolescent disorders. He has served as the Medical Director of several hospitals, treatment facilities, and has developed innovative delivery systems that improve quality and lower costs. He serves as a consultant to many hospitals, group practices and behavioral health organizations. He currently serves as the Medical Director of Atlantic Shores Hospital and sits on advisory boards of several area hospitals and insurance companies. Furthermore, along with Dr. Flaherty, Dr. Segal has been granted the appropriate waiver by the DEA to provide opiate addiction treatment. As a result of having access to patients suffering from opiate addiction, Segal Institute is now capable of conducting a variety of addiction trials. Recognized as one of the leading psychiatrists in South Florida, Dr. Segal resides in Miami Beach.

Dr. Punjwani, Medical Director of Compass Health Systems, has conducted over 112 clinical trials as an investigator. Dr. Punjwani completed his internship, residency, and fellowship at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He started his practice in psychiatry in 1991, and has provided directorship at various rehabilitation centers in South Florida.

With over five years of experience as a clinical research investigator for Segal Institute, Dr. Flaherty has conducted over 114 clinical trials. Dr. Flaherty completed his training at the University of Iowa Hospital. In addition to his work in clinical research, Dr. Flaherty maintains an extremely active outpatient and inpatient practice, and is currently the Medical Director of FirstLantic Healthcare. Furthermore, along with Dr. Segal, Dr. Flaherty has been granted the appropriate waiver by the DEA to provide opiate addiction treatment. As a result of having access to patients suffering from opiate addiction, Segal Institute is now capable of conducting a variety of addiction trials.

Dr. Pushka began his medical training at Ivan-Frankovsky Medical Institute in the Ukraine, and completed his training there in 1980. He served as an attending physician at the Kiev Center Psychiatric Hospital and Kiev City Hospital.

Dr. Pushka came to the United States in 2004, and completed his psychiatry residency and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Program at Drexel University College of Medicine, in Philadelphia. He joined Segal Institute in 2005, where he serves as an investigator on outpatient and inpatient clinical trials. Dr. Pushka also serves as an investigator for Segal Institute on a variety of clinical trials at Hollywood Pavilion Hospital. Additionally, Dr. Pushka has been recognized as the “Most Valuable Physician” as voted by his peers and patients at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Florida.

Women’s Health / General Medicine

Dr. Chavoustie is a native of Miami, Florida and graduated from the University of Miami with a BS degree in chemistry. He attended the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed his residency and internship in obstetrics and gynecology. He was also the administrative chief resident at Jackson Memorial Hospital. In 1987, he was appointed diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Dr. Chavoustie holds a dual appointment at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine both as Voluntary Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and in medical education. He teaches clinical skills, provides didactic lectures in obstetrics and gynecology, and directs the clinical pelvic and breast exam module for all second year medical students. He has been voted one of the “Best Teachers” by the medical students for three consecutive years.

Dr. Chavoustie is the medical director of a non-profit organization called “Medical Students in Action” that offers medical care and education to the underserved communities in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic. He travels yearly with his medical students where he evaluates and treats over 900 patients per week during his stay. He has joined Segal Institute as an investigator and is currently the lead implant physician and the clinical director for the implant-explant training course conducted May 8th and 9th, 2008, at the Trump Plaza in Miami for Titan Pharmaceuticals.

Raters

Dr. Judith Montero has over twelve years of experience conducting psychological testing.  She obtained her Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Neuropsychology from the Miami Institute of Psychology, and received two Masters degrees in Counseling and Clinical Psychology from the same institution.  At Segal Institute, Dr. Montero concentrates her practice on both in-patient and out-patient drug trials.  She is responsible for assessing the psychological history and diagnosis of patients, while conducting efficacy rating scales.  Being fully bilingual, Dr. Montero is able to assess Spanish-speaking patients.  Dr. Montero also works in conjunction with the principal investigator to ensure the effectiveness of protocols.

Dr. Julie Marsh is a licensed psychologist specializing in neuropsychological and behavioral assessment of psychiatric and neurologic populations. Dr. Marsh has published research abstracts in psychological evaluation, pediatric behavioral medicine, and clinical neuropsychology and has presented her research at the annual meetings of the American Psychological Association and the National Academy of Neuropsychology. Since joining Segal Institute in 2004, Dr. Marsh has rated subjects for clinical research trials involving major psychiatric, medical, and substance use disorders.

Dr. Briana Webber-Lind has eleven years of clinical experience, seven of those years include formal psychological assessment experience in both the psychiatric and neuropsychological areas. Her experience has been primarily hospital-based, working with individuals with disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and major medical illnesses. She earned a Masters degree in Clinical/Community Mental Health Psychology from Western Illinois University, and a Masters and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Since joining Segal Institute in 2005, Dr. Webber-Lind has rated subjects for clinical research trials involving major psychiatric and medical disorders. 

Dr. Wendy Cisneros is a Florida licensed psychologist with 10 years clinical experience in working with various populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. She obtained her Masters and Doctoral degrees from Carlos Albizu University in the filed of clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology. Dr. Cisneros completed her internship at the Neurological Institute at North Broward Medical Center where she gained valuable knowledge in performing psychological assessments with geriatrics and those suffering from traumatic brain injuries. She presently performs the role of clinical rater for Segal Institute’s ongoing CNS drug trials.

Dr. Antonio Hernandez has over 7 years clinical experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics. He obtained his Masters and Doctoral degrees from Carlos Albizu University in the field of clinical psychology with a concentration in neuropsychology. Dr. Hernandez completed his internship at the Neurological Institute at North Broward Medical Center. He presently performs the role of clinical rater for Segal Institute’s ongoing CNS drug trials and substance use disorders.

Dr. Katrina Belen received her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from Carlos Albizu University with a concentration in neuropsychology. She completed her clinical internship in neuropsychology at Jackson Memorial Medical Center, where she conducted inpatient and outpatient neuropsychological evaluations; consultations and psychotherapy for adult patients with traumatic brain injury; stroke, dementia, memory disorders, epilepsy, cerebral tumors and other disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord.. Dr. Belen has 6 years of clinical experience providing psychotherapy and psychological testing for the diagnosis and treatment of learning disability, mental illness, substance abuse, and domestic violence among children and families of diverse populations She is fully bilingual in English and Spanish and is able to assess Spanish speaking patients. As a clinical rater for Segal Institute, she performs assessments on subjects in clinical research trials.

SOUTH CAROLINA

Central Nervous System

Since completing his residency and internship in psychiatry at the University of Kentucky in 2004, Dr. Cifuentes has practiced mainly in inpatient psychiatric settings. He is currently a staff psychiatrist at Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Cifuentes’ previous research experience includes safety and pharmacokinetic research with children, adolescents and adults. In his current capacity as investigator for Segal Institute, Dr. Cifuentes conducts outpatient and inpatient adult clinical trials.

Dr. Lopez has over 15 years clinical practice experience in outpatient and inpatient psychiatry. In addition to his research activities, Dr. Lopez is Chief Medical Officer of Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Health in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Lopez’ research experience includes, National Institute of Mental Health funded research of multi-systemic therapy. He serves as an investigator for Segal Institute on a variety of clinical trials.

Dr. Hiott serves as the Medical Director of Youth Services for Palmetto Lowcountry Behavioral Heath, where he works with children who are in an inpatient, day patient, and/or residential patient setting. He is board certified in child and adolescent as well as adult psychiatry and enjoys doing volunteer work, through a national organization member care program, with his wife, a dentist. Dr. Hiott also serves as sub-investigator for Segal Institute on a variety of clinical trials.

Raters

Dr. Karen Slawson is a licensed professional counselor with more than 13 years clinical experience in the treatment of various psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. She spent nine years providing psychological diagnosis and treatment for active duty military members, four of those years included providing psychological fitness for duty evaluations for Marine Corps recruits. Dr. Slawson earned a Masters degree in Clinical Psychology from Webster University and has currently completed all coursework for her PhD. She has worked as a clinical research coordinator for the Department of Veterans Affairs, administering various psychological assessments. Since joining Segal Institute, she has performed assessments for children and adults in clinical research trials.

NORTH CAROLINA

Central Nervous System

Dr. Stiles received her Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and obtained her Medical Doctorate from James H. Quillen College of Medicine. She completed her residency in psychiatry from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Stiles currently treats adults, adolescents, and children in her private practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is also a student health psychiatrist for the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Stiles is an active provider working with mental health agencies in local communities within North Carolina. In addition, her professional memberships include the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Dr. Stiles began working as an investigator in 2001, and is currently an investigator for Segal Institute on a variety of clinical trials.

Dr. Jones attended Duke University receiving his undergraduate degree in psychology and receiving his medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine. He completed his residency program and fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior.

He has also been the recipient of a K08 Career Development Award and National Institute of Mental Health grants. His active memberships include the American Psychiatric Association, American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry and the Forsyth County Psychiatry Society. Dr. Jones has been a tremendous contributor to the psychiatric pool of knowledge through his writing of numerous journal articles, abstracts, book reviews, as well as lectures.

Dr. Jones is the Medical Director of geriatric inpatient psychiatry at Thomasville Medical Center, a Clinical Associate Professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, has his own private practice in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and is recognized as one of the leading psychiatrists in the Piedmont Triad. He has been an investigator on clinical trials for more than 10 years and is currently an investigator for Segal Institute on various clinical trials.

Dr. Reddy received his medical degree from Osmania Medical School in Hyderabad, India and attended residency at Connecticut Valley Hospital at Yale University Affiliated Psychiatric Residency Program.

Dr. Reddy is the site director of Old Vineyard Behavioral Health, a 105 bed inpatient psychiatric hospital and opened Triad Psychiatric Counseling Center in 1992. He also serves as a staff psychiatrist for Martinsville, Moses Cone, and Rowan Memorial Hospitals, in North Carolina.

Dr. Reddy has been working on clinical trials and has been an expert lecturer for major pharmaceutical companies. He currently serves as an investigator for Segal Institute on various clinical trials.

Raters

Dr. Stiles received her Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University and obtained her Medical Doctorate from James H. Quillen College of Medicine. She completed her residency in psychiatry from Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Stiles currently treats adults, adolescents, and children in her private practice in Greensboro, North Carolina. She is also a student health psychiatrist for the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Stiles is an active provider working with mental health agencies in local communities within North Carolina. In addition, her professional memberships include the American Psychiatric Association and the North Carolina Psychiatric Association. Dr. Stiles began working as an investigator in 2001, and is currently an investigator for Segal Institute on a variety of clinical trials.

COLORADO

Central Nervous System

Dr. Wise is the Medical Director of Compass Health Systems, an outpatient facility, and Highlands Behavioral Health System, an 86 bed psychiatric hospital treating children, adolescents, and adults located in Denver, Colorado. He completed his training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. He has published numerous articles, book chapters, and books. He has also been appointed to task forces sponsored by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) organizations. Dr. Wise has presented extensively world-wide. He is widely recognized as a national leader in early childhood mental health – diagnosis, therapy, and psychopharmacology – as well as perinatal and postpartum maternal mental health. He revised the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood – the foremost developmentally sensitive mental health classification system used world-wide.

In addition, Dr, Wise has held positions as consulting editor to the Infant Mental Health Journal and was invited editor for the Journal of Pediatric Psychology. He was invited to write expert columns for ADHD in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry for Medscape. He is on the infant and preschool committee of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and is a senior council board member of the Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society. He currently serves as an investigator for Segal Institute in outpatient and inpatient clinical trials.

Raters

Dr. Heather Uncapher is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience.  She has clinical experience working with inpatients/outpatients suffering with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, substance abuse, memory disorders, and medical conditions.  She has 7 years of research experience investigating depressive disorders, suicidal thoughts, and cognitive impairment within psychiatric, medical, and nursing home populations.  She earned her Master's and Doctoral degrees from Pacific Graduate School of Psychology.  She completed her internship with the Veteran's Administration with an emphasis on Neuropsychological Assessment and Interpretation.  She completed a 3-year NIMH postdoctoral fellowship in Clinical Services Research at the University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine where she obtained valuable research training and experience conducting double-blind experimental studies and survey studies.  Dr. Uncapher was an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Wake Forest University School of Medicine where she conducted neuropsychological assessments and research with patients with mild cognitive impairment, memory disorders and depressive disorders.  She has published original research studies in top journals and presented numerous abstracts at national research conferences.